Solar Energy Facts

There are many interesting solar energy facts that clearly demonstrate the viability of solar for home use. First of all, the sun is one of our greatest sources of energy.  Life on earth is sustained and fueled by the light and heat from the sun. 

Did you know that the sun produces approximately 3850 Zettajoules (ZJ) per year? Suffice it to say that that is a bunch of potential power! 

The absolute beauty of solar power is that the sun’s energy is limitless and emits no gases into the atmosphere. 

This is just the beginning of all the solar energy facts that make solar generated power a great alternative to conventional power generation methods.

Solar Energy Facts – How is Electricity Generated from the Sun?

Photovoltaics is the process of turning the sun’s energy into electric power, and it has been around since the late 1800’s.  However, through scientific advancements, solar power is becoming more and more affordable for consumer use. 

Solar power electric is a great way to utilize an ever renewing resource, while at the same time reducing our impact on the environment.  Here are some interesting solar energy facts for you to consider.

15 Solar Energy Facts

1. Around 2 billion people in the world have no access to electricity.  Solar energy would be their cheapest form of electricity.
2. It takes 3.3kWh of energy to generate 1kWh of electricity.  It costs far less to generate your own electricity.
3. Over its useful life, a single 175 watt solar module can produce 12,000kWh of useable electricity.
4. The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than the entire world uses in a year.
5. The solar electric systems installed since 1988 provide enough electricity to power 250,000 American homes or more than 8 million homes in the developing world.
6. Around 70% of U.S. solar cell production is exported, mostly to third world countries where 2 billion people still live without power.
7. Solar electricity is rapidly becoming the power supply of choice for remote, small-power DC applications of 100w or less.
8. Solar generated power correlates with with utilities’ daily load patterns, because the power is available when it is needed most, during daylight hours.
9. Technological advances continue to drive down the costs of solar electric systems making them far more affordable.
10. Many states allow you sell your excess solar generated electricity back to your power company through net metering!
11. The typical home solar electric system costs around $8.00-$10.00 per Watt installed.
12. For every $1.00 annual savings in utility costs adds $20.00 to a home’s value.
13. Homes equipped with solar power systems sell 2 times faster than homes without solar power.
14. Most home solar electric systems pay for themselves within 4-5 years of use.
15. Federal, state and local solar electric system rebates and incentives can reduce the cost of your installation by as much as 50%!

Solar Energy Facts – Sun Power is Cheap

Of all the interesting solar energy facts, it is surprising to note that is actually less expensive to recover energy from the sun than by means of conventional methods of power generation.

As you can see from our list of solar energy facts, solar power is clearly a viable alternative to energy generated by means of fossil fuels.  This, coupled with declining costs over the last 15 years, makes solar power a realistic alternative for homeowners as well.

Solar Energy Facts – Sun Power is the Way to Go!

Solar power definitely has a bright future!  Perhaps it is time to consider installing a solar electric system at your home.  Costs are down and rebates and incentives are up. For more information, you may want to also check out our post Solar for Home Use.